Approximately 1.95 million acres in South Dakota are covered by forests. These forests provide the opportunity for 17 different forest product facilities to employ nearly 3,500 South Dakotans. The Black Hills National Forest ranks as one of the most productive forests in the national forest system.

“In addition to providing renewable energy, wildlife habitat, soil health, local foods and water, forests purify the air we breathe and support an industry that employs more than one million Americans,” says South Dakota Department of Agriculture Resource Conservation and Forestry forester Parks Brigman. “Each day, we use a wide range of forest products -- from the wood in our homes to the paper we write on to the packaging that protects the everyday goods we rely on A vibrant forest products industry is vital to maintaining sustainable and resilient forests in South Dakota.”

During National Forest Products Week, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture is recognizing the ways in which forests contribute to South Dakotans’ livelihood and how to ensure forests’ future health and stability.

“It’s a time to recognize the many products that come from our forests, the people who work in and manage our forests, the businesses that make the products and how each one contributes to our lives,” Brigman said.

Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect and preserve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.